Pipeline Exterior Treatment System and Method

ABSTRACT

A pipeline exterior blasting system includes a containment enclosure, a blasting subsystem, and a waste material removal subsystem. The containment enclosure is configured to enclose a section of a pipeline. The blasting subsystem is configured to propel blasting material at an exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure. The waste material removal subsystem configured to remove blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure. A method of treating an exterior surface of a section of pipeline includes enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure. Blasting material is propelled at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure, after which blasting waste material is removed from within the containment enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/683,257, which was filed on Nov. 13, 2019, which in turnsclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No.62/766,993, which was filed on Nov. 14, 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of pipeline exteriortreatment, and more particularly to systems and methods of blasting awelded or otherwise joined site of a pipeline, to clean and prepare thesurface for coating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pipeline construction generally requires the joining of pipe sections toform a length of pipeline that spans a great distance. The pipeline istypically placed on the ground or buried underground and therefore mustbe coated with a sealant or other protective substance to protect themetal piping from corrosion or other harmful effects. It is usually mostefficient to coat the piping sections prior to delivery of the piping tothe pipeline site, where the pipe sections will be joined. The pipesections are typically welded together, but regardless of the manner ofjoining the sections, portions of the pipe are stripped of coating andexposed by the joining process. Therefore, prior to being placed orburied, the exposed portions of the pipeline at the pipe section jointsmust be re-coated. For example, at a welded pipe connection, uncoatedportions at the weld must be coated. However, coating at the weld siteis most effective if the site is cleaned and otherwise prepared prior toapplication of the coating material.

The welded site of two pipes in a pipeline are usually blasted with gritmaterial to clean and prepare the surface prior to coating the pipelinesection before being placed on or in the ground. Impact of the blastingmaterial on the pipe clears the surface of any debris or contaminant andprepares the surface but also pulverizes the blasting material,resulting in the release of dust in the air and grit waste on the groundsurrounding the blasting operation. This occupational and environmentalhazard is typically addressed in a way that is ineffective, unwieldy,time-consuming, and expensive.

Conventional techniques try to mitigate for environmental hazardsinherent in the process and provide for protection from human safetyhazards presented by grit-blasting materials and dust in the atmosphere.Current systems use tents to cover blast areas and tarps on the groundto catch used grit and control dust, after which waste material must becollected and disposed of. In addition, people involved in the processof blasting must wear full-body hazard suits. Because clean air filtersto scrub the air in the tented areas are not used, dust created in theseareas can reduce visibility to unacceptable levels in the confined spaceand the temperature inside the hazmat suits can easily reach 120 degreesduring certain times of the year.

Many methods and systems are currently utilized to clean and preparepipes for coatings, but they all fall short in enabling environmentaland safe working conditions. Therefore, any easy to use system thatprovides safety for workers as well as environmental protection would bebeneficial in the industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved system and method of treating thesurface of pipe sections at welding sites and other joinder regions,which overcomes deficiencies of conventional systems and methods,providing benefits and advantages in the field.

According to an aspect of the invention, a pipeline exterior blastingsystem includes a containment enclosure, a blasting subsystem, and awaste material removal subsystem. The containment enclosure isconfigured to enclose a section of a pipeline. The blasting subsystem isconfigured to propel blasting material at an exterior surface of thesection of pipeline within the containment enclosure. The waste materialremoval subsystem configured to remove blasting waste material fromwithin the containment enclosure.

The containment enclosure preferably includes a first element and asecond element. The first and second elements are coupled so as to bemovable between an open position in which the section of pipeline can bereceived in the containment enclosure, and a closed position in whichthe section of pipeline is enclosed in the containment enclosure. Forexample, the first and second elements can be hingedly coupled.

The containment enclosure preferably includes a fixed portion configuredto remain stationary with respect to the section of pipeline, and amovable portion configured to be moved around a circumference of thesection of pipeline. The containment enclosure can also include acurtain arrangement configured to provide isolation between respectiveinteriors of the fixed portion and the movable portion.

The system can also include a rotation assembly configured to move themovable portion of the containment enclosure around the circumference ofthe section of pipeline. The rotation assembly can includes a motorhaving a drive output, a linkage assembly arranged to impart motion ofthe motor drive output to the movable portion of the containmentenclosure, and a power interface configured to couple with a powersource to power the motor.

The movable portion can be configured to be aligned with a weld joint inthe section of pipeline.

The system can also include an observation assembly configured toprovide an image of the weld joint to an observer outside thecontainment enclosure. For example, the observation assembly can includean imaging subsystem having a camera mounted within the movable portion,a display device, and a communication subsystem to provide imaging datafrom the camera to the display device.

The blasting subsystem can be arranged to move with the movable portionto propel the blasting material at the exterior surface of the sectionof pipeline within the movable portion. As the movable portion movesaround the section of pipeline, the waste material removal subsystem isarranged to remove blasting waste material from within the movableportion, and can be arranged to move with the movable portion. The wastematerial removal subsystem can include a tray or barrel arranged tocatch falling grit debris.

The blasting subsystem can include, for example, a blasting nozzleconfigured to couple to the containment enclosure at a blasting port inthe containment enclosure and to a blasting hose outside the containmentenclosure. The system need not but can include the blasting hose,configured to couple with an output of an abrasive pressure blaster.

The waste material removal subsystem can include, for example, a vacuumcoupler configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a vacuumport in the containment enclosure and to a vacuum hose outside thecontainment enclosure. The waste material removal subsystem can alsoinclude an air pressure port configured to couple to compensate for apressure difference at the vacuum port. The waste material removalsubsystem need not but can include the vacuum hose, configured to couplewith an input of a vacuum device.

The system can also include a transport assembly, which can include alifting assembly configured to suspend the containment enclosure whenmounting and dismounting, from the pipeline, and a mobile platformconfigured to support the containment enclosure. The transport assemblycan also include a drive device configured to move the containmentenclosure along a length of the pipeline.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of treating anexterior surface of a section of pipeline includes enclosing the sectionof pipeline within a containment enclosure. Blasting material ispropelled at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within thecontainment enclosure, after which blasting waste material is removedfrom within the containment enclosure.

Enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure caninclude opening the containment enclosure, receiving the section ofpipeline within the open containment enclosure, and closing thecontainment enclosure around the section of pipeline, thereby enclosingthe section of pipeline.

Propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section ofpipeline within the containment enclosure can include fixing a firstportion of the containment enclosure with respect to the section ofpipeline. A second portion of the containment enclosure is moved arounda circumference of the section of pipeline while propelling blastingmaterial at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within themovable portion.

The movable portion can be aligned with a weld joint in the section ofpipeline.

Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosurepreferably includes suctioning grit dust from an interior of thecontainment enclosure, either while propelling blasting material at theexterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containmentenclosure or after the blasting process is complete.

Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosurecan include catching falling grit debris in a tray or barrel.

Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the invention will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of thefollowing detailed description of the invention disclosed herein, havingexemplary embodiments illustrated by the accompanying drawings. Thedescription is not intended to be limiting of the invention, the scopeof which is set forth in the language of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 shows a transverse cross-section of an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the process of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a pipeline blasting system 10 is releasablymounted to a pipeline welded section 11, and includes a blastingcontainment enclosure 12 connected to an electrical power generator 14,a blasting device 16, and a vacuum device 18. The blasting containmentenclosure 12 is an enclosure that includes a fixed portion 22 thatremains static with respect to the pipe, a rotating containment portion24 that is movable about the pipe during the blasting procedure, a heavygrit capture portion 26, a blasting nozzle portion 27, and one or morehinges 30 or other fixtures that allow the blasting containmentenclosure 12 to be opened and closed over the pipe. Electrical powerlines 34 couple elements that require power for operation to thegenerator 14 or other external source of power. Preferably the blastingcontainment enclosure 12 includes one or more ports that connect to thepower source via external cabling, whereas internal cabling andharnesses route wiring as necessary to powered components within theblasting containment enclosure 12.

As shown, a blasting material hose 36 can be coupled to deliver blastingmaterial to the nozzle portion 27 at a blasting port in the sidewall ofthe blasting containment enclosure 12. Similarly, vacuum hose 38 can becoupled to the vacuum device 18 and to the blasting containmentenclosure 12 at a vacuum port. The electrical power generator 14, thegrit blasting device 16, and the grit vacuum device 18 along with theirrespective connections 107, make up an external support assembly 106that can be interchangeable with any similar assembly to be connected tothe blasting containment enclosure 12 to provide power, blastingmaterial and propulsion, and suction for dust eradication, respectively.There is also a catch element 26 such as a tray or barrel for catchingheavy blast material and grit waste when the blasting containmentenclosure 12 is opened.

In order to securely close the blasting containment enclosure 12 duringoperation, the blasting containment enclosure 12 can include one or morecooperative closure elements, such as releasable holder elements 35,illustrated in the form of rings, mounted to the fixed portion 22 andthe rotating containment portion 24, such that a connector 33,illustrated in the form of a rod, can be inserted through some or all ofthe releasable holder elements 35 to hold of the rotating containmentportion 24 in place with respect to the fixed portion 22, preventingmovement around the pipe. When the connector 33 is pulled out from thereleasable holder elements 35 that are attached to the rotatingcontainment portion 24, rotation of the rotating containment portion 24is enabled relative to the fixed portion 22 for operation of the system.

Further, referring to FIG. 3, a releasable lift connector 31, such asthe lift cable shown, can be attached to the releasable holder elements35, and thus to allow a connected lifting device 32 to lift, remove,elevate, and relocate the entire system 10 from its current location onthe pipeline 20 to a subsequent selected operational work site. Insummary, there are two positions for the connector 33 to allow for twodifferent operations of the entire system 10, namely, rotation of therotating containment portion 24, and transportation of the system 10. Ifthe system is fabricated so as to be large in scale or of heavymaterials, the system 10 can be placed on a dolly or on motorizedtransport for delivery to the next site. If the system 10 is built on asmaller scale or from lightweight materials, the system 10 can becarried by hand by one or more people, with or without the use of thereleasable lift connector 31 and the connected lifting device 32.

Referring to FIG. 2, the system 10 can include a motor 40 arrangedwithin the fixed portion 22, for example attached to a wall 22A of theblasting containment enclosure 12. The motor 40 can be of the typeincluding, for example, a typical rotor shaft 42 extending therefrom,and can be coupled to the electric power line 34 to be powered by thegenerator 14. A first coupling device 46 (such as a gear) can be mountedon the rotor shaft 42, configured to positively engage a linkage device44 (for example, a chain) that can positively engage a second couplingdevice 50 (such as a second gear) that is mounted to a first portion 48coupled to the rotating containment portion wall 24A. This exemplarylinkage system 43 can be substituted by any other similar linkage systemthat is configured to cause rotation of the rotating containment portion24, and any such linkage system is contemplated for use with the system10of the invention.

Thus, as the motor 40 is activated, the rotor shaft 42 rotatesaccordingly, thereby causing the first coupling device 46 also torotate, engaging the linkage device 44 and thereby causing the firstportion 48 to rotate because the second coupling device 50 is fixedthereto and coupled to the linkage device 44. As a result, the entirerotating containment portion 24 rotates around the pipe 20. Rotationalstabilization devices such as wheel mechanisms 68 can be included at theoutside ends of the blasting containment enclosure 12 around the pipeopening to aid in the smooth movement 90 of the rotating containmentportion 24 around the pipe.

It is noted that in this exemplary embodiment, the linkage device 44would be wrapped completely around the first and second coupling devicesif there is a chain and gearing arrangement configured to enable therotation of the first portion 48 and thus couple the rotatingcontainment portion 24. As noted above, however, there are many othermechanical systems that can enable the desired described rotation. Forexample, a screw-type gear can be used to replace the typical toothgears 46 and 50, and a rod with matching screw-type teeth to engage inknown fashion. Alternatively, a simple belt drive like used on a carcooling fan belt system can be used, or the linkage device 44 can bealtogether eliminated to arrange the rotatable shaft 42 in directcontact with the first portion 48 so that the first and second coupledevices 46 and 50 positively mutually engage. In such an embodiment, themotor 40 can be repositioned in a closer orientation to enable therequisite positive engagement between as commonly known by one skilledin the art of gearing mechanisms

The system 10 can also include a curtain device 52, for example in theform of a brush, coupled to the first circular wall portion 48 toseparate atmospheric conditions within and between the fixed portion 22and the rotating containment portion 24, by which airborne elements inthe rotating containment portion 24 can be deterred or prevented fromentering the fixed portion 22 from the rotating containment portion 24.A releasable fixing device 66 can also be included, such as in the formof clamps, configured to temporally and releasably hold the position ofthe fixed portion 22 relative to the pipe section 22A and thus preventrelative motion therebetween when the motor 40 is activated. It is notedthat the fixing device 66 can take any physical design, form, orarrangement that would allow for the function of securing the fixedpositioning of the fixed portion 22 relative to the pipe 20 during therotational operation of the rotating containment portion 24.

A containment cavity 60 within the blasting containment enclosure 12 isdefined by the containment wall 23B, and a vacuum hose mounting device37 is configured to releasably mount the vacuum hose 38 through thecontainment wall 23B. Rotational stabilization devices or support device68, for example in the form of wheels or a wheel mechanism, are arrangedto abut the pipeline 20 and allow for smooth rotation of the rotatingcontainment portion 24. Another curtain device 64, such as a circularbrush, can be positioned between the containment wall 23B and thepipeline 20, configured to be fitted around the periphery of the pipe20, taking any form able to prevent dust created within the containmentcavity 60 from being released to the outside atmosphere where theworkers are located.

Elements of the pipeline 20 can include a first pipe 20A and a secondpipe 20B, each having a protective covering 58 thereon that does notcover the exposed end section 56 of each pipe 20A and 20B. A weld bead54 that spans the circumference of the two uncovered pipe end sections56, joining the pipes 20A and 20B. These exposed end sections 56 andweld bead 54 together form the work area 11 for the pipeline blastingsystem 10.

In operation, referring to FIG. 4, the material blasting nozzle portion27 projects a blast material 72 at high speed toward the work area 11,where it impinges thereon at an impact zone 73. The propelled impactingblast material 72 cleans the pipe sections 56 in the work zone 11 andpits the surface to prepare the pipe for subsequent environmentalprotection coating process 122 material, such as or similar to the pipecoating 58. As a consequence, the blast material 72 upon high impactgenerally is pulverized into smaller particles, creating dust 62 andlarger less pulverized waste particles 84, which fill the containmentcavity 60. During this process or afterward, the grit vacuum device 18is activated, automatically or by the operator, to suction out the dustparticles 62 through the vacuum hose 38 in known vacuum processoperation. Additionally, the blasting nozzle portion 27 is fixed intothe container wall 23B and moved around the circumference of the pipewith the rotating containment portion 24 with operation of the motor40and linkage device 44. Thus, as the motor 40 operates, the rotatingcontainment portion 24 rotates preferably completely 360 degrees aroundthe circumference of the pipe work site 11 while the blasting material72 impacts the blast zone 73, the pulverized blasting dust material 62is suctioned out of the containment cavity 60 through the vacuum hose38, and the heavy less pulverized waste material 84 is collected towarda bottom portion of the cavity 60. Upon completion of the entire 360degrees of rotation the system can reverse direction and eventuallyreturn to the original starting position of the blasting nozzle 27,completing the blasting operation.

During operation of the system 10 and rotation of the rotatingcontainment portion 24, the exterior hoses and cords 107 have sufficientexcess length to wrap around the rotational containment portion 24before becoming unwrapped with the reverse rotation. Preferably, thewheels 68 assist in the rotation and hold the relative positioning forall associated elements. Other methods of controlling the rotation,including using stoppers, position sensors, and switches, arecontemplated for use within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a separation, interface, or cut 43 extending downthe center of the blasting containment enclosure 12 has a top cutposition starting at the hinge device 30 and extending down to a bottomsection located proximate a mounted catch device 26. Thus, the cut 43separates the blasting containment enclosure 12 into a first half wall23A and a second half wall 23B. A coupling device 80 is configured tohold together the two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12and specifically the walls 23A and 23B during operation thereof. Uponclosure of the robotic grit blasting device 12, the wheels 68 come intocontact with the pipe 20 for friction-reduced rotation thereof. Thehinge 30 facilitates the smooth opening and closing of the two halfwalls 23A and B. Dashed lines 41 illustrate a possible open position ofthe cut 43, wherein the opening is a sufficient distance to allow forthe lifting of the blasting containment enclosure 12 off of the pipe 20during some moving operations. The two half walls 23A and 23B open in anarcuate motion 83 to be repositioned to an open position 41 of the cut43. Also, as the motor 40 is activated, the associated linkage system42, 44, 46, 50 causes the containment portion 24 to rotate in arotational direction 90 relative to the pipe 20 and to the fixed portion22 that is releasably coupled to the pipe 20A via the holder 66.

When mounting the blasting containment enclosure 12 at the pipe worksite 11, personnel mounting the system 10 can visually position theblasting containment enclosure 12 with respect to the weld location andthe surrounding pipe work site 11, to ensure that the entire pipe worksite is treated. Alternatively, an imaging system can be used to assistpersonnel, for example by providing visual information even when theblasting containment enclosure 12 is closed, and/or to provide visualaids to help align the blasting containment enclosure 12 or even toprovide automated alignment. For example, a camera system 133 coupledfor communication with an external display (via radio, internet, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, or other known connection protocol 135, and a rotatableprotective cover 131) can be mounted within the blasting containmentenclosure 12. The camera system 135 can be positioned to view inside thecavity 60 to aid in positioning the grit blasting nozzle 27 in line withthe work site 11. The cover 131 can be opened for viewing a display, andclosed during blasting operation via any known remote-control method andassociated mechanical mechanisms.

FIG. 3 shows the blasting containment enclosure 12 as having a roundouter wall in cross-section. However, the outer wall can have anysuitable shape. Further, the interior of the blasting containmentenclosure 12 can also take any cross-sectional shape, as long as theblasting containment enclosure 12 conforms to the enclosed piping forsmooth movement around the piping during the blasting operation.

Referring to FIG. 4, a pipeline 20 coupling process site 150 includesthe blasting containment enclosure 12, the support devices assembly 106,a pipe welding system 110, a pipe protective coating application system120, and a blasting system transporter 100 and its working arm 101. Thewelding system 110 can include typical pipeline welding equipment andpersonnel, all located at a welding site 111 where two unconnected pipesection will be welded together in any known fashion. Moreover, thesupport devices assembly 106 can also include a vehicle and driver 109for transport and support of the assembly. Additionally, the protectivecoating application system will include known pipeline coating devices,materials, and personnel, including any spray guns, spray materialcontainers, and associated power systems.

The remote viewing system 200 includes a communication device 201, forexample a cell phone using any known remote camera monitoring softwaresystem. The remote viewing system 200 receives real-time viewing imagesusing any known data transfer protocol (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio, etc.)from the camera 133 when the protective flap 131 is opened.Additionally, there is shown a typical viewing screen 202 that willdisplay the camera-generated image, so that a user can perform accuratepositioning of grit blasting containment enclosure 12 to properly orientthe blasting nozzle 27 to blast the two pipe ends 56 at the welding site11. A remote-control device 210 can be used to communicate and controlthe operation of the alignment system 170 by controlling the forward andbackward alignment movement thereof to properly align the grit blastingcontainment enclosure 12. If the alternative alignment system 170 isused, the blasting system transporter 100, in the form of a vehicle likea truck, will not be needed for each relocation process of the entiresystem to the subsequent blasting work site 11.

In operation, the entire process site 150 is configured to generallymove from a current work site 102 to a subsequent work site 104 andcontinue in this manner along a gas pipeline 20 construction project,which could span dozens and even hundreds of miles of weld sites 11. Forexample, pipe 20 can be laid out in a linear orientation as shown, andthe welding system 110 is used to weld together two pipe ends 56 andmove on to a subsequent un-welded dual pipe interface work site 111. Aspart of the process, the welded pipe section 11 is cleaned by theblasting system 10.

To move the blasting system 10, the two halves 23A and 23B are opened inan arcuate path 83 like a clam shell at the hinge 30 into the resultingopened position at the dividing cut 41 and transferred along the pipe toa subsequent work site 11, at which point it will be properly orientedand closed via a releasable fixing device 66 and the wall-couplingdevice 80, removably anchoring the blasting container 12 to the pipe 20.All of the connections 107 can then be reattached to the blasting system10 if decoupled during the transfer, and the connector 33 can beuncoupled from holder elements 35 mounted to the rotating containmentportion 24. On activation of the motor 40, the blasting system 10actuates the rotating containment portion 24 to move around thecircumference of the pipe. As a result, the welded pipe section 11 istreated by being blasted and cleaned by the blasting material 72expelled from blasting nozzle 27. The vacuum system 18, via the hose 38,removes the particle dust 62 from the containment cavity 60. Preferablyafter a 360-degree cleaning of the pipe section 11, the rotatingcontainment portion 24 reverses to rotate back into the startingposition by reversing operation of the motor 40.

After treatment, all of the connections 107 can be disconnected from theblasting system 10 and the releasable fixing device 66 and thewall-coupling device 80 can be disengaged, the rod connector 33reinserted into the holder elements 35, and the releasable gripper 31reattached. The transporter 100 lifts the connected lifting device 32via the arm 101, which opens the two halves of the blasting containmentenclosure 12 along the cut 43 and around the hinges 30 a sufficientamount to enable the two halves to clear the pipe 20, thussimultaneously allowing heavy waste materials 84 that were not capturedby the vacuum system 18 to fall into the catch tray 26 or barrel. Thesystem 10 is then ready to be moved to a subsequent work site 104, wherethe blasting containment enclosure 12 is lowered onto the pipe 20,causing the two halves to close around the pipe 20. The releasablefixing device 66 is then recoupled to the pipe 20 to enable therotational stabilization devices 68 to contact the pipe 20 and thecurtain devices 52 and 64 to contact proximate to the pipe 20. Thewall-coupling device 80 is then engaged to releasably hold the twohalves of the blasting containment enclosure 12 together whileperforming the next blasting operation. The pipe protective coatingapplication system 120 can be moved along after the blasting operationis performed to perform coating operations at the coating site 122 toprotect the remaining exposed and now cleaned pipe ends 56.

Alternatively, the blasting system transporter 100 might not be usedevery step of the subsequent cleaning operation and movement thereof,and might not consistently use the connector 33 and holder elements 35.Instead, the alternative alignment system 170 can optionally be mountedthereto as illustrated and used in all subsequent operations, and couldbe actuated for automatic operation. It should be apparent that othermodifications to the particular operation of the system will be made inusing the alternative alignment system 170. For example, thedisconnection and reconnection of the connections 107 might not berequired or desired. Also, to prepare for movement, the alternativealignment system 170 can be engaged to be activated first to extend thecarriage device wheels 175 to contact the pipe 20 so as to force openthe two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12. The carriagedevice 175 can then be remotely activated via camera visualizationdevice 200 and moved along the pipe 20 via a motion control system 210until the appropriate position is reached to properly position theblasting nozzle 27 for accurate blasting operations. At that point, thecarriage device wheels 175 are retracted to enable the two halves of theblasting containment enclosure 12 to close around the pipe 20, and areretained in a retracted non-engaging position as shown in FIG. 3. Allother previously described operational steps can be performed aspreviously described.

Alternatively, there could be only be a single side mounted system onthe leading or trailing side relative to the lateral movement shown inFIG. 4, rather than the illustrated two-sided system (one on the leadingside and the other on the trailing side) as long as lateral movement ofthe blasting system 10 along the pipeline to subsequent weld sites isenabled.

It is noted that there are many variations to the invention as describedthat are included within the intended scope of the invention. Forexample, although the description discusses using “grit”, the inventionis not limited to use of any particular grit-type material as that termmight be understood by those of skill in the art, and can encompass anyblasting material for treatment of piping. As non-limiting examples,materials known to be usable as blasting material include glass beads,coal material, sand, and any other material that can treat the surfaceof the piping without damaging the piping material. Additionally, thelinkage engagement portion 43 that is described is only one of manylinkage assemblies that can be used to couple the motor 40 to therotating containment portion 24 to enable rotation 90 during blastingoperations.

It is further noted, the number of certain elements described forinclusion in the exemplary embodiments is selected for illustrativepurposes only, and any number of such elements can be usedadvantageously as part of the system. For example, multiple blastingnozzles, holding devices 66, etc. can be included although inclusion ofonly one has been described.

In general, the pipeline exterior blasting system of the inventionincludes a containment enclosure, a blasting subsystem, and a wastematerial removal subsystem. The containment enclosure is configured toenclose a section of a pipeline. The blasting subsystem is configured topropel blasting material at an exterior surface of the section ofpipeline within the containment enclosure. The waste material removalsubsystem configured to remove blasting waste material from within thecontainment enclosure. Thus, the basic system contains the region of theblast operation, provides the elements needed to perform the blastingoperation, and removes waste material generated during the blastingoperation to avoid harm to the environment and protect personnel.

In general, the containment enclosure preferably includes a firstelement and a second element, which are mutually coupled so as to bemovable between an open position in which the section of pipeline can bereceived in the containment enclosure, and a closed position in whichthe section of pipeline is enclosed in the containment enclosure. Forexample, the first and second elements can be coupled by a hinge or anyconnector that allows the elements to be opened so that the piping canbe put in place and then closed around the piping. For example, thefirst and second elements can be concentric shells that can be rotatedto align respective gaps providing a slot for receiving the piping andthen rotated to close the outer surface and hold the piping in place.More than two such elements can be included if advantageous to enclosethe piping section. One or more sealing elements can be included toprovide an air-tight connection to the piping, and to more securelycouple the containment enclosure to the piping.

The containment enclosure also preferably includes a fixed portionconfigured to remain stationary with respect to the section of pipeline,and a movable portion configured to be moved around a circumference ofthe section of pipeline. This enables the containment enclosure toremain stable with respect to the piping during the blasting operation,while enabling the blasting operation to take place around the fullcircumference of the piping if necessary. The containment enclosure canalso include a curtain arrangement or other apparatus configured toprovide isolation between respective interiors of the fixed portion andthe movable portion, so that waste material generated during theblasting operation does not enter the fixed portion. The materialforming the walls of the movable portion in particular should be durableenough to withstand the blasting operation, and formed so as to beimpervious to the blasting material and any waste generated duringoperation. Of course, the containment enclosure can include more thanone fixed portion if beneficial to the particular treatment application.

In order to enable operation, the system can also include a rotationassembly configured to move the movable portion of the containmentenclosure around the circumference of the section of pipeline. Forexample, the rotation assembly can include a motor, such as an electricmotor, having a drive output such as a rotating drive shaft, a linkageassembly arranged to impart motion of the motor drive output to themovable portion of the containment enclosure, and a power interfaceconfigured to couple with a power source to power the motor. The motorcan be mounted anywhere that will allow it to impart the motionnecessary to perform the blasting operation. Instead, the movableportion of the containment enclosure can be moved manually around thecircumference of the section of pipeline instead of through the use of amotor, or a wound bias-driven assembly, such as a hand-crankedspring-loaded assembly, can be used to drive the motion of the movableportion of the containment enclosure, and the invention is not limitedto use of any particular drive mechanism.

The movable portion can be configured to be aligned with a weld joint inthe section of pipeline. By selective coupling of the system to thepiping and orientation of the system along the length of the piping,optimum alignment of the movable portion with respect to the weld jointfor most effective treatment of the piping can be accomplished.

The system can also include an observation assembly configured toprovide an image of the weld joint to an observer outside thecontainment enclosure, so as to aid in providing optimum alignment. Forexample, the observation assembly can include an imaging subsystemhaving a camera mounted within the movable portion, a display device,and a communication subsystem to provide imaging data from the camera tothe display device. The communication subsystem can be wireless andconfigured to wirelessly transmit through the material forming thecontainment enclosure, or it can be wired through a harness passingthrough a portal in the containment enclosure. Alternatively, thedisplay can be at least partially arranged within the containmentenclosure such that it is visible through a portal to personnel. In anycase, the observation assembly includes any equipment necessary toprovide imaging to personnel, such as a transmitter, receiver, antennas,wiring, and any other elements required for the particular design.

The blasting subsystem can be arranged to move with the movable portionto propel the blasting material at the exterior surface of the sectionof pipeline within the movable portion. As the movable portion movesaround the section of pipeline and propels the blasting material at theexterior surface of the section of pipeline, waste material isgenerated, and therefore the waste material removal subsystem isarranged to remove the blasting waste material from within the movableportion. Like the blasting subsystem, the waste material removalsubsystem can be arranged to move with the movable portion. Some of thewaste material can be particulate matter that is too heavy to beairborne within the movable portion, and therefore the waste materialremoval subsystem can include a tray or barrel arranged to catch andisolate falling grit debris.

The blasting subsystem can include, for example, a blasting nozzleconfigured to couple to the containment enclosure at a blasting port inthe containment enclosure and to a blasting hose outside the containmentenclosure. The blasting port is configured to allow easy coupling anddecoupling of the blasting hose for easy transport of the containmentenclosure between operations. The blasting subsystem system need not butcan include the blasting hose, configured to couple with an output of anabrasive pressure blaster. The blasting nozzle receives blastingmaterial via the blasting hose and is configured to direct the blastingmaterial for optimum treatment of the target surface of the enclosedpiping. The abrasive pressure blaster includes a reservoir to containthe blasting material, and an impeller configured to propel the blastingmaterial through the blasting hose coupled to the abrasive pressureblaster. The blasting hose is made from a material that can withstandthe impact of the propelled blasting material without appreciable damageand that is resilient to the extent necessary to move with the movableportion of the containment enclosure.

The waste material removal subsystem can include, for example, a vacuumcoupler configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a vacuumport in the containment enclosure and to a vacuum hose outside thecontainment enclosure. The vacuum port is configured to allow easycoupling and decoupling of the vacuum hose for easy transport of thecontainment enclosure between operations. The waste material removalsubsystem can also include an air pressure port configured to couple tocompensate for a pressure difference at the vacuum port. Equalizing thepressure in the containment enclosure in this way enables easier vacuumremoval of dust. The air pressure port can include a valve assembly toprevent dust from escaping through the port. The waste material removalsubsystem need not but can include the vacuum hose, configured to couplewith an input of a vacuum device. The vacuum device receives blastingwaste material, typically grit dust, via the vacuum hose and isconfigured to provide negative pressure adequate to remove substantiallyall the dust from within the containment enclosure via the vacuum hose.The vacuum device includes a bag or other dust trap to contain theremoved blasting waste material for disposal, and an impeller or otherdevice configured to provide the negative pressure. The vacuum hose ismade from a material that impervious to dust and any other wastematerial it might transport and that is resilient to the extentnecessary to move with the movable portion of the containment enclosure.

The system can also include a transport assembly, which can include alifting assembly configured to suspend the containment enclosure whenmounting and dismounting from the pipeline, and a mobile platformconfigured to support the containment enclosure. The transport assemblycan also include a drive device configured to move the containmentenclosure along a length of the pipeline. The transport assembly can bemanually operated, mechanism-driven, and/or automated, completely or inpart. If the system is fabricated from durable but lightweightmaterials, a drive device might not be necessary and the system can bemanually transported.

Generally, the method of treating an exterior surface of a section ofpipeline according to the invention includes enclosing the section ofpipeline within a containment enclosure. Blasting material is propelledat the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within thecontainment enclosure, after which blasting waste material is removedfrom within the containment enclosure. Thus, the method can be performedto contain the region of the blast operation, perform the blastingoperation, and remove waste material generated during the blastingoperation to avoid harm to the environment and protect personnel.

Enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure caninclude opening the containment enclosure, receiving the section ofpipeline within the open containment enclosure, and closing thecontainment enclosure around the section of pipeline, thereby enclosingthe section of pipeline. Thus, the treatment region of the piping isdefined for treatment in a way that isolates it from the outsideenvironment.

Propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section ofpipeline within the containment enclosure can include fixing a firstportion of the containment enclosure with respect to the section ofpipeline. A second portion of the containment enclosure is moved arounda circumference of the section of pipeline while propelling blastingmaterial at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within themovable portion. Thus, the system is secured to the piping but is alsomovable about the piping so as to cover the entirety of the intendedtreatment region. To this end, the movable portion can be aligned with aweld joint in the section of pipeline for optimum blasting.

Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosurepreferably includes suctioning grit dust from an interior of thecontainment enclosure, either while propelling blasting material at theexterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containmentenclosure or after the blasting process is complete. Removal of the gritdust from the containment enclosure prevents the grit dust from beingdispersed in the outside environment when the containment enclosure isopened after treatment. Removing blasting waste material from within thecontainment enclosure can also include catching falling grit debris in atray or barrel. The falling grit debris typically is particulate wastematerial that is too heavy to be removed by suctioning. Preferably, thegrit debris is trapped in the tray or barrel for later collection anddisposal.

The invention has been described generally, as well as by way of exampleand in terms of preferred embodiments. However, the present invention ascontemplated by the inventors is not strictly limited to theparticularly disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, variousmodifications, as well as similar arrangements, are included within thespirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the appendedclaims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest reasonableinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similararrangements.

We claim:
 1. A pipeline exterior blasting system, comprising: acontainment enclosure configured to enclose a section of a pipeline; ablasting subsystem configured to propel blasting material at an exteriorsurface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure; anda waste material removal subsystem configured to remove blasting wastematerial from within the containment enclosure.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the containment enclosure includes a first element and asecond element, wherein the first and second elements are coupled so asto be movable between an open position in which the section of pipelinecan be received in the containment enclosure, and a closed position inwhich the section of pipeline is enclosed in the containment enclosure.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second elements arehingedly coupled.
 4. The system of claim
 1. wherein the containmentenclosure includes: a fixed portion configured to remain stationary withrespect to the section of pipeline; and a movable portion configured tobe moved around a circumference of the section of pipeline.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the containment enclosure further includes acurtain arrangement configured to provide isolation between respectiveinteriors of the fixed portion and the movable portion.
 6. The system ofclaim 4, further comprising a rotation assembly configured to move themovable portion of the containment enclosure around the circumference ofthe section of pipeline, wherein the rotation assembly includes: a motorhaving a drive output, a linkage assembly arranged to impart motion ofthe motor drive output to the movable portion of the containmentenclosure, and a power interface configured to couple with a powersource to power the motor.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the movableportion is configured to be aligned with a weld joint in the section ofpipeline.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising an observationassembly configured to provide an image of the weld joint to an observeroutside the containment enclosure, wherein the observation assemblyincludes: an imaging subsystem having a camera mounted within themovable portion, a display device, and a communication subsystem toprovide imaging data from the camera to the display device.
 9. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the blasting subsystem is arranged to movewith the movable portion to propel the blasting material at the exteriorsurface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the waste material removal subsystem isarranged to remove blasting waste material from within the movableportion.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the waste material removalsubsystem is arranged to move with the movable portion.
 12. The systemof claim 10, wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes atray arranged to catch falling grit debris.
 13. The system of claim 10,wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes a barrel arrangedto catch falling grit debris.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein theblasting subsystem includes a blasting nozzle configured to couple tothe containment enclosure at a blasting port in the containmentenclosure and to a blasting hose outside the containment enclosure. 15.The system of claim 14, further comprising the blasting hose, configuredto couple with an output of an abrasive pressure blaster.
 16. The systemof claim 1, wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes avacuum coupler configured to couple to the containment enclosure at avacuum port in the containment enclosure and to a vacuum hose outsidethe containment enclosure.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the wastematerial removal subsystem includes an air pressure port configured tocouple to compensate for a pressure difference at the vacuum port. 18.The system of claim 16, further comprising the vacuum hose, configuredto couple with an input of a vacuum device.
 19. The system of claim 1,further comprising a transport assembly, including: a lifting assemblyconfigured to suspend the containment enclosure when mounting anddismounting from the pipeline, and a mobile platform configured tosupport the containment enclosure.
 20. The system of claim 19, whereinthe transport assembly further includes a drive device configured tomove the containment enclosure along a length of the pipeline.
 21. Amethod of treating an exterior surface of a section of pipeline,comprising: enclosing the section of pipeline within a containmentenclosure; propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of thesection of pipeline within the containment enclosure; and removingblasting waste material from within the containment enclosure.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein enclosing the section of pipeline within acontainment enclosure includes: opening the containment enclosure,receiving the section of pipeline within the open containment enclosure,and closing the containment enclosure around the section of pipeline,thereby enclosing the section of pipeline.
 23. The method of claim 21,wherein propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of thesection of pipeline within the containment enclosure includes: fixing afirst portion of the containment enclosure with respect to the sectionof pipeline, and moving a second portion of the containment enclosurearound a circumference of the section of pipeline while propellingblasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipelinewithin the movable portion.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising aligning the movable portion with a weld joint in the sectionof pipeline.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein removing blasting wastematerial from within the containment enclosure includes suctioning gritdust from an interior of the containment enclosure.
 26. The method ofclaim 25, further comprising suctioning grit dust from an interior ofthe containment enclosure while propelling blasting material at theexterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containmentenclosure.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein removing blasting wastematerial from within the containment enclosure includes catching fallinggrit debris in a tray or barrel.